In this episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, Jess welcomes Vanessa Dias, Co-founder and CEO of Able Athletics, a nonprofit that creates inclusive sports opportunities for children with high support needs. Vanessa shares her personal journey through her daughter's rare genetic diagnosis, how it inspired her to build a community focused on acceptance and empowerment, and the significance of teaching inclusion. Jess and Vanessa discuss the impact of Able Athletics on the community, the educational approaches they use, and the importance of community support for families navigating similar challenges. The episode emphasizes the power of resilience, community, and transforming life's hardships into meaningful change.
Vanessa Dias is the Co-founder and CEO of Able Athletics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children with disabilities and support needs through adaptive sports programming. Inspired by her daughter Elle’s diagnosis with MED13L syndrome, Vanessa turned a deeply personal journey into a mission to create inclusive opportunities for youth of all abilities. Through Able Athletics, she not only provides life-changing sports experiences but also leads educational initiatives to foster empathy and awareness in volunteers, paving the way for a more inclusive future. A former nurse, Vanessa brings compassion, resilience, and a commitment to community into everything she does.

Learn more about Able Athletics:

Website: https://Ableathletics.org/

Instagram: @Ableathleticsorg

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